Following in his footsteps

Growing up with a father who is a celebrity star or athlete can be both a blessing and a curse. Having your own personal coach has its advantages, but trying to live up to his celebrated and successful career can be daunting, if not next to impossible. Difficult, yes, but not unheard of. Tucker Robinson, 32, Oak View, Calif., recently won his first National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship, yet, the title is far from the Robinson family’s first.

Tucker’s NRCHA Hall of Fame father, Ted Robinson,has won the prestigious honor seven times. Ted Robinson won his first Snaffle Bit Futurity Championship in 1987, riding Nu Cash, followed by wins in: 1991 (Master Checks), 1995 (The Nu Colonel), 1996 (Shesa Lota Cash), 1997 (Smart Little Cash), 2000
(Smokums Prize), and in 2005 (Nu Circle Of Light).

The only other father/son duo to have won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity was the late Greg Ward and his son, John Ward. Greg, who died just a few months following his final Futurity victory (in 1998, riding Reminics Pep), won the honor four times. His other victories were in 1972 (Sugarnic), 1981 (Sugar Remedy), and 1986 (Smokinic). John Ward has won the Futurity twice: 1994, riding Masteroani, and in 2008, riding Black Pearl.